Tacoma collective Kills Across the River makes driving alt-rock anthems that rail against the fake and inauthentic aspects of modern culture. Inspired by acts like The Beatles, Kurt Cobain, Silversun Pickups, Wallice, and Smog, their sound combines a range of musical elements and emotional textures—blending spiraling rhythms, stacked vocal melodies, haunting, narrative lyrics, and grungy, tactile guitar. Kills is led by singer Amber Bighorse and anchored by drummer Doug Mackey, featuring electric guitar from RJ Morgan and rhythm guitar by Bighorse’s husband, David Mayo, who also contributes to songwriting and production. With the addition of multi-instrumentalist Will Howard and synth/keys powerhouse Season Snuffer, the collective continues to evolve their distinctive sound.

Kills released debut album Mutt via their own label, Strange Fat Music, in September 2022. Produced by Mackey, the album was developed from Bighorse’s original acoustic demos and praised for its dreamy, 90s sensibility and alt-rock grit. With the August 2024 release of sophomore album Attention Economy, the group reflects on our current, commerce-driven world, rejecting roles in favor of a more authentic existence. The songs feel both wild and structured, tight but never mechanical. Produced by John Vanderslice and recorded live to 2-inch, analog tape, Attention Economy courses with the palpable energy and collective chemistry of a live show in a small space.